If you're tired of checking and rechecking the fridge to make sure the door has closed tightly, read on to find out how easy it is to fix that problem for good.

If your refrigerator door doesn’t open and close as it should—or if it doesn’t seal as tightly as it’s supposed to—the problem could be that the fridge is not level.

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Listen to BOB VILA ON LEVELING YOUR REFRIGERATOR or read the text below:

Fortunately, getting your fridge to sit up straight isn’t a difficult job. For safety’s sake, start by unplugging the appliance. Next, remove the grill on the bottom. That’ll expose the adjustable leveling feet.

Place a level on top of the fridge, positioning across the front of the cabinet. Note the position of the bubble in your level. Then use either pliers or a crescent wrench to adjust the leveling bolts until the bubble in your level moves to the middle.

Once that’s done, turn your level so it sits front-to-back on the top of the cabinet. Recheck the level and fine-tune the adjustment on your leveling bolts as needed. If the floor where your refrigerator sits is not level, you may need to position shims under the leveling feet to make up the difference.

Bob Vila Radio is a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 75 stations around the country (and growing). You can get your daily dose here, by listening to—or reading—Bob’s 60-second home improvement radio tip of the day.

How To: Defrost a Freezer

Defrost older freezers from time to time, not only to keep the appliance working efficiently, but also to prevent ice from hogging the storage space within. It's a simple task—you'll just need a few towels, a little time, and some heat.

Have you got a freezer full of frost? That’ll happen. Fortunately, defrosting a freezer isn’t as big a deal as people make it out to be. Yes, it’s a bit of hassle, but there are definitely benefits. Once you’re done, you can expect the appliance to run more efficiently, which can mean lower electricity bills. And you’ll win back precious freezer space for storing microwave pizzas and pints of ice cream. Rather than put off the chore for another month (or six), scroll down now to learn how painlessly simple it can be to defrost a freezer.

Preparation
At the outset, you face perhaps the most difficult step in the process: Because food must be removed from the freezer before it’s defrosted, you’ll have to somehow keep everything from thawing out in the interim. If you can’t borrow space in a neighbor’s freezer, the best alternative is to place frozen food into a cooler (or even an airtight plastic bag), together with a suitable number of ice packs. Of course, another way to handle the problem is to plan far enough ahead so that you can eat up a good portion of your stock of frozen food in the weeks before you defrost.

Next, turn off the freezer before taking out all the removable parts inside, such as shelves, drawers, and trays. (Some parts may be so covered in ice that they refuse to budge; in that case, wait until the ice has melted enough to release its hold.) Before you move on, pile up old towels or dishrags beneath the freezer door to soak up the water that inevitably drains out of the chamber during the defrosting process.

Photo: shutterstock.com

Melting the Ice
To persuade the ice within the freezer to melt faster, there are at least a couple different strategies you might try:

• Place bowls of hot water into the freezer. The heat from the steaming water will get the ice melting. Replace the bowls every five minutes or so to sustain the momentum.

• Use a hairdryer to blow hot air over the ice. For safety’s sake, move the hairdryer around so that no one area gets too hot, and be absolutely certain that the melting ice comes nowhere within reach of the electrical outlet you’ve plugged the dryer into.

Of course, if you’re in no hurry, you can simply wait for the ice to melt on its own!

Cleaning the Interior
Once the ice begins to melt, break it up into pieces and remove them with a plastic spatula. Don’t scrape too hard—and definitely don’t use a metal tool—or you could damage the interior of the freezer. As you pull out chunks of ice, put them in the sink or a large mixing bowl. All the while, try to keep dripping water contained to the towels you’ve placed at the base of the appliance.

With the ice gone, proceed to clean the freezer. Dry it completely before turning the appliance back on. If there are water droplets in the chamber when the freezer returns to operation, ice is just going to accumulate again, and quicker than you might expect.

The more often you defrost the freezer, the less time-consuming the process will be.

Cheerful colors and nostalgic details lend their charms to these kitchens inspired by the past. Read on to learn how to re-create the look in your own home.

They don’t make ‘em like they used to. Today, the popular notion of a “dream kitchen” includes an an all-white color palette, a suite of stainless steel appliances, and granite countertops polished to a glimmering sheen. In years past, however, such a design would most likely have struck homeowners as cold, antiseptic, and uninviting. Indeed, kitchen design philosophy has changed a great deal over the decades. Some of us are old enough to remember, for example, that kitchens used to be colorful! From the flooring to the countertops and curtains, everything seemed to feature an eye-catching hue. Some traditions are best left in the past, of course, but if you’ve been yearning to cook in a space with more personality, in a room that recalls a bygone era, these tips can help you design the retro kitchen of your dreams.

Colors
What’s the best color scheme for a retro kitchen? That depends. You can hark back to the 1950s by channeling the most popular colors of those long-ago days, bold turquoise and red. Or for a look that says “The Sixties,” choose mustard and avocado—colors that some are still trying to forget, not bring back. In the kitchen pictured, designers Kevin Fischer and Charlotte Cooney, of Alice Design/Domestic Arts, chose pale yellow and tomato-red, a combination that recalls the early 20th century; builders Hammer & Hand brought their vision to life. Since there are so many paint colors available today, a great way to narrow the field is to look at pictures of kitchens from the era you’re trying to re-create, and see what strikes your fancy.

Surfaces
Though somewhat quaint-seeming now, surfaces like linoleum flooring and laminate countertops were once considered state-of-the-art. Fortunately, both remain in production and are readily available online or at your local home center. As popular in the past as they are today, simple white tiles are another classic, worthy of consideration no matter time period you’re using as a guide. After all, the goal isn’t to create a perfectly accurate, museum-quality historical reproduction. Rather, it’s to borrow the best from the past in pursuit of a design that, instead of being hopelessly outdated, looks forward as much as it looks back.

Photo: Mitchell Snyder Photography

Cabinetry
White, ivory, or beige cabinetry works well in most retro kitchens, regardless of the paint colors applied elsewhere in the space. Glass-front cabinets are another option with old-fashioned appeal, made all the more persuasive when filled with colorful china or glassware that dates to the era that the room is trying to evoke. Yet another way to achieve a vintage look is by painting cabinetry to match the room’s overall color scheme.

Hardware
Replacing cabinet knobs and drawer pulls ranks as one of the easiest and most inexpensive ways to add period detail. While many sources stock new hardware that resembles older designs, some people enjoy the thrill of the hunt, searching for authentic examples in flea markets and architectural salvage yards.

Sink and Faucet
Homeowners are spoiled for choice when it comes to fixtures that mimic yesterday’s styles. For instance, apron-front sinks are enjoying renewed popularity and work superbly in spaces modeled on the early 20th century. In a 1970s-themed kitchen, a stainless steel undermount model pairs nicely with a colorful laminate counter. Faucets, meanwhile, range from those with long, arching necks to boxy designs perfect for kitchens mimicking the postwar period.

Related: 10 Design Essentials for a Retro Kitchen

Lighting
Most older kitchens sported an overhead light in a style that complemented the room. Depending on the era, that fixture might have been a milk-glass pendant or a sleekly sculptural ceiling light. Some people opt for a reproduction, while others scour salvage shops near and far in pursuit of the genuine article.

Photo: Mitchell Snyder Photography

Appliances
To get your hands on period-appropriate appliances, you basically have two options. One is to buy new models whose designs are steeped in nostalgia. The other is to search for refurbished relics. Stoves with porcelain exteriors in white, red, soft blue, or even pink have undeniable appeal, but such treasures can be difficult (or quite costly) to obtain. A compromise would be to choose standard modern appliances with the simplest possible silhouettes.

Accessories
The little things make such a big difference in identifying a space as belonging to this or that time period. A colorful set of dishes or glassware, for instance, can be displayed as a focal point, while vintage tablecloths, curtains, clocks, or telephones (or new designs that resemble older models) further enhance the illusion. On the walls, consider hanging colorful collectibles like fruit-crate labels and recipe booklets, or artwork that dates back to the era that you’ve selected as the inspiration for your retro kitchen.

Bob Vila Radio: Farmhouse Sinks

Farmhouse sinks, whose style harkens back to the 19th century, are enjoying a revival, with more models being offered than ever before.

Farmhouse sinks, also known as apron-front sinks, are a country kitchen staple. These distinctive vessels have an exposed front that sits above, not behind, the base cabinet. Common in early 19th-century kitchens, the farmhouse sink has enjoyed renewed popularity over the past decade, which has spurred manufacturers to offer a greater range of models, materials, and options than ever before.

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Listen to BOB VILA ON FARMHOUSE SINKS or read the text below:

Photo: houzz.com

The popularity of farmhouse sinks isn’t just a matter of aesthetics. Their deep basin comfortably accommodates large pans and helps cut down on splashes. Because the sink sits far forward, the user doesn’t need to bend down as much. And thanks to the style’s appeal, apron-front sinks now come in both single- and double-bowl models with a range of options.

On the downside, these sinks have a higher price tag and less selection than the more common drop-in styles. Because of their shape and considerable weight, they usually require additional support and a specially designed base cabinet. But this situation is changing: Due to such innovations as shallower bowls and overmount designs, it’s easier than ever to retrofit an apron-front sink. In addition, the introduction of clean-lined stainless steel models has made this highly coveted style appropriate for even sleekly modern interiors, with nary a cow in sight.

Bob Vila Radio is a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 75 stations around the country (and growing). You can get your daily dose here, by listening to—or reading—Bob’s 60-second home improvement radio tip of the day.

Bob Vila Radio: Pot Fillers

Read on to learn why you ought to consider including a handy pot filler as part of your next kitchen remodeling project.

If you’re planning a kitchen remodel, one feature to consider adding is a pot filler. These handy fixtures are basically additional cold water faucets installed right over the stove, making it easier and safer to fill large pots.

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Photo: shutterstock.com

Even if your sink isn’t far from the stove, it’s still a chore to fill a large pot and haul it over to the burners. Water weighs eight pounds per gallon, so even a two-gallon pot can weigh almost 20 pounds when full. With a pot filler mounted above your range, you just extend the fixture out from the wall and fill your pot while it’s sitting right on the burner.

You’ll probably want to coordinate your pot filler with your sink’s faucet. Many manufacturers create matching or complementary styles to go with their faucet sets. Be sure to measure carefully before choosing a pot filler—the arm needs to clear the top of your range without hitting the cabinet above it, and you don’t want it mounted so high that water splashes out of the pot when you fill it.

Pot fillers do require a new supply line, and the fixtures themselves can be pricey, so this is not an inexpensive addition. Still, as part of a larger remodel, the cost is usually not prohibitive, and once you’ve had one, you’ll wonder how you ever did without it.

Bob Vila Radio is a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 75 stations around the country (and growing). You can get your daily dose here, by listening to—or reading—Bob’s 60-second home improvement radio tip of the day.

Kitchen countertops are notorious catch-alls for household clutter. Take back those surfaces with smart space planning and new ideas for better organization.

Over time, kitchen countertops can get cluttered with junk, which not only makes the kitchen look sloppy but also disrupts meal preparation. It’s time to take back your counters!

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Listen to BOB VILA ON CLEARING THE COUNTERS or read the text below:

Photo: shutterstock.com

First, open up storage space in your cabinets and drawers by getting rid of items you never use. If you don’t yet have a junk drawer, move things around to create one—it’s great for stashing phone chargers, twist-ties, pens and other kitchen miscellany.

Next, gather any paperwork in the kitchen. Toss or file away what you can, then consider using a wall-mounted file for paperwork that cycles through your kitchen (takeout menus, notices from the kids’ school, incoming mail and appliance manuals).

Clean up that tangle of chargers by investing in one of the many products that stow devices neatly while they’re charging, or check online for some smart DIY ideas.

Now it’s time for the nitty-gritty: If any appliances on the counter don’t get used at least once a week, banish them to a cabinet or the basement. Figure out ways to move other kitchen implements up into a cabinet or onto a wall. A rod mounted near the stove is convenient for hanging cooking utensils; a wall-mounted magnetic strip will get that knife block off the countertop; and a pot rack can keep those frequently used pans off the countertop or stove.

Bob Vila Radio is a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 75 stations around the country (and growing). You can get your daily dose here, by listening to—or reading—Bob’s 60-second home improvement radio tip of the day.

If there's an unpleasant stench wafting from your garbage disposal, it's time to give it a good cleaning. Here's how to get rid of stinky food residue in your disposal.

There’s no denying the convenience of the garbage disposal: It simplifies so many of the activities that take place in the kitchen. Frequent use of the appliance, however, can sometimes lead to foul odors. If you’ve noticed a not-so-pleasing scent emanating from yours, don’t worry—it’s nothing permanent. Getting rid of a garbage disposal smell is by no means an arduous task. In fact, you probably have everything you need for it in your pantry, and the job won’t take more than 10 minutes.

STEP 1
Start by dabbing about a tablespoon of dish soap onto your choice of either a scrub brush or dish wand. Scrub the visible portion of the garbage disposal, paying special attention to the seam where the disposal flange meets the sink basin. Small particles have the tendency to linger there, and even mold can sometimes grow.

Photo: shutterstock.com

STEP 2
When you run the kitchen faucet while operating the garbage disposal, its housing never completely fills with water. That’s normal. But if your garbage disposal has begun to smell, it can be a huge help to give the guts of the appliance a good soak. Here’s how to do it: Plug the drain in your sink, fill the basin about halfway with water, and then add a bit of dish soap (or vinegar, a natural cleaner). Next, unplug the drain and activate the garbage disposal. Doing so propels the soapy water through the housing, rinsing off its hidden nooks and crannies.

STEP 3
Even after the bath you gave the garbage disposal in Step 2, there may still be slimy residue left inside the appliance. To dislodge it, you need to go only as far as the spice rack: As it happens, kosher salt can be an effective abrasive cleaner. Pour a large cup of ice cubes into the garbage disposal, switch on the appliance, then add one-half cup of the salt. Together, the ice and salt should combine to grind away what remains of the odor-causing residue.

By now, the garbage disposal smell that had been bothering you should be gone. If you’ve got an extra lemon lying around, why not imbue the kitchen with a fresh citrus scent by simply grinding a few peels through the appliance?

Preventing Bad Smells
Although it’s easy enough to eliminate a garbage disposal smell, prevention is perhaps the best cure. Bear in mind these simple guidelines, and you’ll cut down on the accumulated food residue in the disposal that causes the foul odors in the first place. First, remember to use the disposal only for the organic materials it was designed to handle. Also, try to keep fibrous vegetables—for example, celery—and starchy foods like potatoes out of there. Meanwhile, don’t be hesitant to put eggshells and small fruit pits through the machine, as they actually go a long way toward cleaning its blades. Finally, dispel persistent particles from within the housing by always running the machine for five seconds longer than you think is strictly necessary.

With regular care and a bit of extra attention on occasion, your garbage disposal can be a boon to your everyday life without becoming a stinky inconvenience.

Bob Vila Radio: Banquettes

In an awkwardly shaped or small-size space, banquettes are casual dining spots perfectly suited for breakfast and snack time.

Banquette seating has a nostalgic charm that may remind you of your favorite diner or that cozy spot in your grandmother’s kitchen. But banquettes have more to offer than nice memories—they’re also smart space-savers. Is a banquette right for your kitchen? Let’s look at the pros and cons.

Listen to BOB VILA ON BANQUETTES or read the text below:

Photo: kentkitchenworks.com

Banquettes are great for providing seating in areas that are too tight for a traditional table and chairs. They make good casual dining spots and are perfectly suited for breakfasts and snack time (that’s why they’re so common in eat-in kitchens). And banquettes excel at making the most of awkward corners or alcoves, transforming these potentially wasted spaces into functional, welcoming dining nooks.

A banquette isn’t the best choice, however, for large families, particularly in homes that lack a more formal dining space. Bench-style seating means disruption every time someone needs to get up for a glass of milk or another piece of bread. And while banquette benches are fun seating for kids, they can be tough for older family members to negotiate.

Finally, it can be difficult to keep the bench clean. If you opt for a banquette, you may want to invest in a table that can be rolled in and out for easier access to those crumb-littered corners of the banquette.

Bob Vila Radio is a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 75 stations around the country (and growing). You can get your daily dose here, by listening to—or reading—Bob’s 60-second home improvement radio tip of the day.

Bob Vila Radio: Pantry Storage

Ready-made and do-it-yourself organization solutions help you ensure that even in a well-stocked pantry, you can always find what you're looking for.

A well-stocked pantry is key to planning and preparing meals efficiently. But even if you keep loads of ingredients on hand, they won’t do you any good if you can’t find them. Here are a few tips on keeping your pantry items organized, visible, and easily accessible.

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Listen to BOB VILA ON PANTRY STORAGE or read the text below:

Photo: shutterstock.com

The first step is to get rid of stale or expired items—and anything else that you don’t think anyone in your household will ever eat. Next, if possible, completely clear out your pantry shelves, clean them off, and start organizing. Make collections of like items—for example, soups and other canned goods, or pastas, legumes, and grains. As you restock your pantry, you’ll want to keep these groups together, making sure you can see every item.

Fortunately, there are plenty of products (and DIY solutions) oout there to help you organize a pantry. Among the handiest are undershelf baskets, which add storage space and keep frequently used items accessible. Lazy Susans can help with accessibility but in small pantries, they can be inefficient space hogs. Stair step-style shelf organizers help keep soups and other canned goods readily visible; you can DIY your own by using lengths of wood. Finally, consider storing grains, cereals, and other bulk items in clear plastic stackable containers. They use space efficiently and let you see what you’ve got.

Bob Vila Radio is a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 75 stations around the country (and growing). You can get your daily dose here, by listening to—or reading—Bob’s 60-second home improvement radio tip of the day.

Get the Look: Country Kitchen

A country-style kitchen has undeniable appeal. While country kitchens can range from traditional farmhouse to something more sophisticated, they all share certain fundamental design, color, and style characteristics. Here's how you can get the look of a country kitchen in your home.

The country kitchen is an American icon. The warm, welcoming feeling we get when we see homey gingham curtains, beaded-board paneling, or a deep farmhouse sink may stem from a fond childhood memory of grandmother’s house or a pleasing picture in our minds from an old movie or television show. Whatever the source, the look is one that endures in kitchen design today.

But while the style is firmly rooted in the past, today’s country kitchens are far from old-fashioned. Modern amenities and plenty of personal touches fit seamlessly alongside nostalgic details, as in this sunny kitchen designed by Crisp Architects, of Millbrook, New York. To help you get a similar look in your own home, we’ll describe the essential elements of a country kitchen and suggest ways you can reinterpret those details to make the finished project distinctly your own.

Pittsburgh Paints "Easy Being Green" Palette

Color Scheme
An abundance of white permeates most country kitchens and sets the stage for an infusion of softer hues, like pale straw or sage green. Even when there are dashes of bolder color—a red-and-white checked tablecloth, for example, or a collection of blue canning jars—they rarely dominate the space. In this kitchen, warm white cabinetry is punctuated by a soft green color surrounding the sink and inside the open shelves.

Surfaces
Natural materials and weathered surfaces give newer country kitchens lived-in character. Beaded-board paneling is a common sight in most schemes, sometimes used as wainscoting below painted walls or around the outside of a work island. Here you’ll find it on the ceiling and on the back inside wall of the cabinets. Warm wood tones are also a necessity in a country kitchen, whether a solid plank floor underfoot or an unexpected variation like this one, where wood planks frame floor tiles. Tiles used for backsplashes in country kitchens are often white. As a fun twist in this kitchen, white tiles are set on a diagonal and accented with smaller green squares.

Photo: Crisp Architects

Cabinetry
The appeal of glass-front cabinets in country kitchens is twofold: They not only trigger nostalgic images of farmhouse kitchens, they also allow homeowners to showcase favorite china patterns or collections. Color-coordinated dinnerware looks especially pleasing behind glass. If you prefer solid doors, or if your budget does not allow you to replace the cabinets you have now, consider whitewashing existing cabinets for a fresh country look.

Hardware
Replacing old, indistinct hardware with vintage designs (like this kitchen’s half-moon drawer pulls) is an easy and inexpensive way to give existing cabinetry a country update. Country-style looks for knobs include glass and porcelain designs as well. Many manufacturers today make hardware with a nostalgic look, but you might also consider contacting a source for architectural salvage in your area for more options and a fun treasure hunt.

Appliances
Although this decor harks back to simpler times, today’s country kitchens have all the amenities we’ve come to rely on. That being said, the placement of modern appliances within a country-style setting is usually less conspicuous than in a contemporary interior where state-of-the-art gadgets might be the focal point of the room. Take this kitchen’s four-foot-wide Sub Zero refrigerator, for instance. Wood paneling on the exterior allows it to blend into the cabinetry around it.

Photo: Moen Annabelle Faucet

Sink and Faucet
An apron-front sink is a classic element in country kitchens, and fortunately, the style has made a comeback in recent years. With many offerings from a number of manufacturers, these attractive fixtures are now much easier to find. If you prefer a sink that’s set into the countertop, however, consider an old-fashioned swan-neck faucet to complement the overall style of the room.

Lighting
Bright, sunny mornings are one of the best times to enjoy a country kitchen. Large windows left bare or adorned with the simplest of curtains are optimal in such settings. For overhead lighting, pendant lights with glass shades are a popular option. Additional recessed lighting amplifies a room’s brightness while letting the other design elements in the room command full attention.

Accessories
Once the country background is in place, accessories and collections allow you to personalize the space and add those perfect finishing touches. Baskets, blue canning jars, and vintage ceramics such as yellowware mixing bowls or ironstone pitchers are all classic choices. Be wary of over-accessorizing, though. Confine larger collections to a single cabinet or hutch to keep the room’s overall look uncluttered.